Sri Lanka & Maldives Guidebook

We've put together a guidebook with everything you need to know about Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Written by our specialists, it details destination information, a wildlife guide, some suggested itineraries and plenty more to inspire your holiday. Fill in the form below and if you live in UK, your guidebook will arrive by post within the next couple of days. For those who live abroad, we will send you a link by email which will allow you to download your own copy.

Temple of the Tooth

The Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is a Buddhist temple which can be found in the royal palace complex of the former kingdom of Kandy.

Kandy

The cultural capital of Sri Lanka is Kandy. A land of temples and stunning natural delights, Kandy holds the famous ‘Temple of Tooth’ the country’s most sacred shrine, where a tooth of Buddha is kept. The town’s perfect climate, scenic location and its rich history make it a favourite for visitors and it is the natural gateway to the peaks of Sri Lanka’s hill country.

To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8916

The hill-country capital is located on a plain amongst towering hills and is surrounded by Sri Lanka’s largest river: the Mahaweli. During the month of August, Kandy comes alive with the sounds and lights of the Kandy Perehara – an amazing procession where the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is ceremoniously paraded on elephant back along the streets.

Kandy has some stunning scenery with a picturesque lake that’s set amidst a bowl of hills. Visit its nearby bustling town to buy local arts, crafts and food, and immerse yourself in the towns colours, smells and diversity.


To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8916

Kegalle (near Kandy), Sri Lanka

Built in 1926, The Estate House is an old colonial planter’s bungalow set in a 62 acre private working tea and rubber estate, The Estate House at Rosyth, offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of rural Sri Lanka.

Rosyth Estate

Kandy, Sri Lanka

This unique manor house, once the ancestral home of a local aristocratic family, sits among six lush acres. Nowadays, Kandy House is an award-winning and very comfortable rural retreat ideal for exploring nearby Kandy and its surroundings.

The Kandy House

Gampola, Kandy

Set high in the hills of an organic tea and spice plantation, beautiful Ellerton is a colonial bungalow and wonderfully inviting retreat for soaking up the charms of the Hill Country or exploring the fascinating cultural heritage of Kandy.

Ellerton Bungalow

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Theva Residency is a unique and stylish boutique hotel offering luxurious accommodation, sumptuous fusion cuisine, and personal service, built into the mountains overlooking Kandy and ideally situated for experiencing the town’s ancient cultural heritage.

The Theva Residency

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Ashburnham is a stately 1930s planters' bungalow that has been lovingly restored into a welcoming retreat. Set amidst an expansive spice and tea estate flanked by the Knuckles Mountain Range, guests can embrace the outdoors or simply laze by the pool.

Ashburnham Estate

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Set in a picturesque valley surrounded by the Knuckle Mountains and Victoria Lake, Bougainvillea Retreat provides the perfect tranquil getaway.

Bougainvillea Retreat

Kandy, Sri Lanka

High up on a tea plantation, at the edge of Northern Kandy, is the beautiful Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge. It is the perfect retreat from which to explore the Knuckles mountain range, or to while the day away relaxing amidst spectacular views.

Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Sitting on the edge of The Knuckles Range, Rangala is a beautiful, comfortable and characterful tea planter's bungalow perched on a steep jungle hillside just north of Kandy. It provides breath taking panoramic views and the perfect respite.

Rangala House

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Santani is Sri Lanka's first dedicated spa and wellness retreat. Located in the heart of the Sri Lankan hill country, guests at Santani can indulge in personalised cuisine and embrace a variety of wellness packages to leave them feeling truly revitalised.

Santani

Kandy, Sri Lanka

A stylish boutique villa set on a hillock in Nittawala, Stone House enjoys a tranquil setting amongst scenic mountain views, just a short ride away from the excitement and culture of Kandy.

Stone House

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Taylor's Hill is a stylish boutique property, gracefully positioned in the setting of an active tea estate in Kandy. Guests at Taylor's Hill can enjoy a comfortable stay in picturesque surroundings, alongside warm and welcoming Sri Lankan hospitality.

Taylor's Hill

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Villa Rosa is a charming and truly unique boutique hotel on the edge of Kandy that's surrounded by lushly forested hills and The Mahaweli River. It's perfect for families or couples wanting a peaceful retreat away from the city.

Villa Rosa

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Elephant Stables is a beautiful, colonial period bungalow perched on a hill overlooking Kandy. It was the home of Adigar Sir Cuda Ratwatte (1880-1950), a Ceylonese nobleman, and the first person from Kandy to be awarded a knighthood from the British.

Elephant Stables

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Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

A UNESCO World heritage site, the 'fortress in the sky' is one of Sri Lanka's most iconic landmarks. 1,202 steps, 370 meters high, a 5th century Palace and 2 giant stone lion paws. If the numbers don't impress, the views will! A mesmerising experience.

The Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Kitulgala, Sri Lanka

With up to seven rapids to tackle, including the "Killer Fall" and "Rib Cage", rafters are guaranteed a challenge, but are also offered a chance to relax, with small calm stretches allowing a refreshing swim in the river to unwind.

White Water Rafting in Kitulgala

Ella, Sri Lanka

Located just outside Ella, Little Adam’s peak offers a short 30 minute climb to the 1140 meter peak. The peak is named after the more famous and arduous Adam’s Peak due to its close resemblance. Being on a smaller scale, this climb is a little easier.

Little Adams Peak and Ravana Ella Falls

Tea Country, Sri Lanka

Make your way down from Adam's Peak this morning at a leisurely pace. The descent is much quicker, though no less painful, as you would have been walking through the night.

Adam's Peak Descent

Ella, Sri Lanka

Explore Ella with your chauffeur guide today. Ella is blessed with some of Sri Lanka's most glorious views. Visit Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam's Peak, Ravana Cave and Bambaragala Park.

Ella City Tour

Kegalla, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a vast array of delicious and interesting fish, vegetables and fruit so during your stay at Rosyth we highly recommend that you try your hand in the kitchen.

Rosyth Estate - Cooking Class

Kegalle, Sri Lanka

Visit rescued and orphaned elephants at the Millennium Elephant Foundation (MEF), that was established in August 1999 as a sanctuary to provide care, protection, and medical services and facilities for elephants in Sri Lanka.

Millenium Elephant Foundation

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Established in 1861 for the purpose of Cinchona cultivation in Sri Lanka, the botanical gardens at Hakgala sit at an elevation of about 1745 m and are some of the finest on the island. Covering 28 hectares, the experimental gardens are well worth a visit.

Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Tea Country, Sri Lanka

Situated above 2,000 meters, Horton Plains takes in rivers and waterfalls alongside unique fauna and landscapes. The 9km trek usually takes around three hours, with the highlights being the famous Baker Falls, and ocean views from World's End escarpment!

Trekking in Horton Plains Nature Reserve

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

A morning walk with the resident tea expert will give you a first hand experience of the trail of the planters of old Ceylon, as you trek through the luscious tea gardens and on the best slopes on which tea is planted. Enjoy the striking landscapes!

Stafford Bungalow - Tea plantation visit

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Stafford Bungalow's resident tea expert will enhance your tea tasting skills by presenting a unique tea tasting experience. Slurp, roll, twist and split – this is a truly unique and educational experience in the heart of the tea growing region.

Stafford - the art of tea tasting

Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Explore the immaculately preserved remnants of Buddhism's second city. The city is grouped in clumps between enticing forests, so you can walk, cycle and imagine your way around giant Buddhas and vivid temples. You wont believe it's over 1,000 years old!

Explore Polonnaruwa

Minniriya National Park, Sri Lanka

This afternoon head to Minneriya National Park, where there is a large population of elephants, for an evening game drive with a n experienced naturalist.

Minneriya National Park

Ella, Sri Lanka

Designed for the adventurous, today's trek is 8 km long and a challenging climb that offers the most spectacular views across the hill country and the plains below. The 4 hour round trek is well worth the effort due to the glorious scenery.

Trek to Ella Rock

Hatton, Sri Lanka

Enjoy this complimentary experience whilst staying in one of the bungalows at Tea Trails. The resident tea planter will show you first hand the tea making process, starting from the fields where it all begins with the picking of "two leaves and bud".

Tea Trails - Tea Trails Tea Experience

Tea Country, Sri Lanka

Starting around 1am, head out to one of the prettiest mountains in Asia for an incredible summit sunrise! The 5,200 steps offer plenty of rest opportunities as you rise above the clouds, but with music, litter and meat banned, the atmosphere is reverent.

Escorted Climb of Adam's Peak

Kandy, Sri Lanka

A real treasure trove for trekking enthusiasts! Striking landscapes and ever changing fauna are guaranteed on the 4-5 hour trek from Illukkumbura to Riverston which features sweeping panoramas, crystal waterfalls if this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Trekking in the Knuckles Range

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